Richard King Claims He Got "Beatdown" by Patti LaBelle's Security Guards Because He Was "Standing Too Close to Her Expensive Luggage"

West Point cadet, Richard King, sues R&B powerhouse Patti LaBelle, claims she sicced her security guards on him because he was "standing too close to her expensive luggage" at Houston airport earlier this year.

Richard King, a West Point cadet, who was suspended for a year, has sued R&B legend Patti LaBelle, claiming she set her security guards upon him and they left him bleeding on a sidewalk with a concussion, earlier this year. He is the grandson of Texas Technical University football coach J. T. King. According to the Houston Chronicle, he was waiting for a ride outside Terminal C at the Houston airport, when he was accosted by two male guards and one female guard who were members of Ms. LaBelle's entourage.

Houston police confirm that an altercation involving King and Zuri Edwards, 37, Labelle's limousine driver, occurred at the airport on the night of March 11. King, police reported, suffered a cut to his forehead and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Edwards, police said, suffered a bruise on his face.

In the lawsuit filed by attorney John Raley, King contends he was talking with his brother via cell phone when he was assaulted by LaBelle's personnel for no apparent reason. "Apparently, defendant LaBelle believed King was standing too close to her (no doubt expensive) luggage, even though he was oblivious to her presence and the danger he was in," the lawsuit asserts. "LaBelle lowered the window of her limousine and gave a command to her body guards. They sprang into action." Source: Houston Chronicle

Zuri Edwards isn't Ms. LaBelle's limousine driver. He's her son. Patti LaBelle has been singing for decades and it is in her character to act like a diva and throw a tantrum. She is one of the few celebrities who is very open with her fans. So, I seriously doubt this man was oblivious to the presence of Patti LaBelle and was in danger. A frivolous lawsuit, especially in light of the fact the police didn't press charges. This amounts to a money grab in my opinion. Seems to me that Mr. King had a wee bit too much to drink and couldn't get up because of that. He claimed in the lawsuit that he suffered a severe head injury, blood loss, deep lacerations and contusions from the attack. Really? Severe head injury would mean he would have been out cold in the aftermath of the tussle. Deep lacerations should have been evident from the video and to the paramdics and police officers who came on the scene. Before people start hating on Patti LaBelle, please consider the accuser and her long record of being a decent entertainer. This kid is lying.

Let's not also ignored the fact that West Point took such a heavy-handed action after a report from the police. He was drinking on the plane. Who knows if he had been inebriated. No tests were done, right? Seems to me Richard King violated one of the tenets of West Point, since he was a cadet who had been drinking. I wasn't there and I don't know what happened, but I do know Patti LaBelle has had a long career and is one of the few singers out there who will take the time to talk to their fans, take pictures and sign autographs. So, I can't believe she would order her security to body-slam this man because he was close to her luggage. This young man also said he couldn't remember what happened. So, did he suddenly have an epiphany and his memory miraculously returned? Better yet, exactly what was he saying to them before the shoving began? I will wait until this mess makes its way through the court system or mediation before I take sides. I also know his career being over isn't because he was shoved to the ground by the bodyguards. In fact, he seems to have had concussions before. Go figure. One thing I will say is that Patti LaBelle's career hasn't been the same since she divorced her husband, Armstead Edwards. He was the glue that kept it all together and it's a shame her son isn't doing such a good job.

The Drudge Report has this prominently featured on its website and since we all know Matt Drudge is a race-baiter, I the captions are written with the presumption that King, who is white is right and Ms. LaBelle, who has never had any fracas in public with anyone as far back as I can remember, is wrong. Tell me he didn't just interject race in this dogfight? Never mind the fact that Richard King was suspended from West Point for a year probably because he had been drinking, among other things. I would love to know if Matt Drudge was on the scene when Patti LaBelle allegedly turned down the window to the limousine and told her bodyguards to pounce on this kid. I want to hear what was said when she allegedly rolled down her window. Until then, this is just a money grab. Just sayin'..... CLICK TO READ LAWSUIT: 

UPDATE#1: 

Cadet Richard King, who filed lawsuit against Patti LaBelle, has left West Point. 

West Point won't say why he left, citing privacy laws. It's worth a second look. Obviously he didn't hear what he wanted to hear from them about dropping the suspension. It should be noted that West Point may know far more than King and his attorney are letting on about the incident and the fact that he was drinking.

West Point officials Monday vowed to stand by their decision to kick Houston senior cadet Richard King out of the Army military academy in the wake of an altercation involving soul singer Patti LaBelle at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Source: Houston Chronicle

Secondly, his attorney is now calling for criminal charges to be pressed against Patti LaBelle's (who is receiving a Lifetime Achievement award from BET) bodyguards. Right, nearly three months later they're calling for charges. This will go nowhere and no, I am not throwing Patti LaBelle under a bus. There is no audio on the video in which we can hear her telling her bodyguards to beat this young man up. None.

Statement from West Point:

"The U.S. Military Academy completed a thorough investigation regarding the incident that occurred at the Houston Airport on March 11, 2011, involving Cadet Richard King. Following this investigation, the Academy chain of command took appropriate administrative action in accordance with Army Regulation 210-26. "At this time, the specific details of Cadet King's case are protected by the Privacy Act, and are therefore not releasable.

"Cadets who are placed on a suspended separation status (similar to probation in the civilian judicial system) for an honor violation or an act of misconduct are required to meet a number of conditions in order to continue at the Academy. Failure to meet this condition results in separation from the Academy.

"Cadets who are separated from the Academy after the beginning of their junior year are typically obligated to either pay back the cost of their education or serve on active duty as a specialist (E-4) in the Army for a period of three years.

"Additionally, the Superintendent may recommend separated cadets to participate in the Academy Mentorship Program. A cadet who participates in the AMP may apply for readmission to the Academy after serving eight to twelve months of active duty service. The decision regarding readmission is based on their complete record at West Point and successful performance as a Soldier while on enlisted duty. "West Point trains, educates, and inspires future leaders of the U.S. Army and Nation, in keeping with the highest traditions of professional military service."

Watch the video (Note: there no audio of Patti LaBelle telling guards to attack King):